SDOT has proudly released the New Mobility Playbook, a forward-thinking guide for Seattle and other cities across the nation in preparing for future innovation in transportation technology. When it comes to autonomous vehicles, for example—or dare we mention it, flying robot vehicles—how does a city embrace new technologies without changing the way we live, or compromising our regulations and quality of life?

Tough question, right? Well, the New Mobility Playbook offers sound strategies for future innovations. The Playbook features five core “plays” that structure the approach to new technologies and spur inventive and effective solutions:

Play 1: Ensure new mobility delivers a fair and just transportation system for all

Play 2: Enable safer, more active, and people-first uses of the public right-of-way

Play 3: Reorganize and retool SDOT to manage innovation and data

Play 4: Build new information and data infrastructure so new services can “plug and play”

If you recall, during the turn of the 20th century… well, maybe you don’t recall. But anyway, picture it – early 1900’s, automobiles and airplanes were the new thing.

Seneca Street in 1911. Photo from the Museum of History and Industry.

Rapidly growing cities in the U.S. were challenged by the first motor vehicle. But the innovation kept coming – by 1910, the first mass produced double-decker bus began service and eventually, motor buses would replace horse-drawn, steam, or trolley buses that were already in service in many cities around the world. City planners were forced to design cities around the needs and demands that came with the advent of motor vehicles.

Needless to say, we compromised our green space, and several other life quality factors to make way for technology. As transportation becomes increasingly shared, active, self-driving, electric, and data-driven, Seattle is planning ahead to ensure that innovation contributes to a safe, equitable, sustainable city with a transportation system that serves everyone.

According to Stonly Baptiste, partner at Urban US Ventures, “Seattle shares all-too-common transportation challenges, but innovators will benefit from reading this report and understanding the city’s unique priorities and vision for the future of mobility.”

We encourage you to check it out the Playbook for yourself, and be sure to leave feedback on any of the plays. We’d love to get your input!

The City of Seattle charged forward this week on some key climate action goals when SDOT kicked off its Electric Vehicle Charging in the Public Right of Way Pilot Program (EVCROW). Yes, that’s quite a mouthful. But what EVCROW lacks in verbal eloquence, it more than makes up for in greenhouse gas reduction, clean air, and more options. But enough with the intro, let’s get down to the nitty gritty.

What the heck is EVCROW?

It’s a pilot program SDOT launched that permits public and private electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure providers to install EV charging stations on non-residential streets in urban villages, urban centers, and commercial streets throughout the city. This program is SDOT’s first step in developing right-of-way charging policies citywide.

Why is SDOT doing this?

You might remember that the city passed the Drive Clean Seattle initiative last year, which tackles climate change at the local level and serves as the City’s blueprint for electrifying transportation and reducing oil consumption. In fact, Seattle has set a goal calling for 30 percent of light duty vehicles registered in the City to be electric by 2030.

What are the permitting requirements?

EV infrastructure providers must apply for permits and show a demonstrated ability to meet requirements for siting, construction, and installation. SDOT will issue permits to those companies that satisfy these requirements. Oh, and the applicant is also required to submit service connection applications with Seattle City Light.

Why a pilot program?

The pilot gives SDOT the ability to assess the permitting process, monitor installation challenges, and evaluate EV charging behavior in advance of developing a permanent Street Use permitting program. When the pilot ends on July 18, 2018, SDOT will then evaluate the program and update permit requirements, making adjustments as necessary throughout the process.

If you are into permitting language and want to dive in to more detail about the pilot requirements, click here.

The EVCROW pilot permit program an implementation action of the Drive Clean Seattle resolution and managed through SDOT’s New Mobility Program. New Mobility are those emerging elements of our transportation system that are enabled by digital technology, focused on shared services and clean transportation solutions, and driven by real-time data.